by Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA -- With their hopes of making the Final Four dwindling, University of Santo Tomas (UST) head coach Bong dela Cruz called on his players to exhibit "Thomasian pride" and heart as they enter the home stretch of the UAAP Season 77 tournament.

UST absorbed a 58-69 setback at the hands of Ateneo on Saturday, which put their record at 5-6 with just three games to go in the elimination round.

"'Yung execution noong fourth quarter, masyado kami nagtitira sa labas eh," said dela Cruz, noting that they were unable to take advantage of Ateneo being in the penalty with over four minutes left.

Admitting that the mood in the locker room was "sad," Dela Cruz said his players must now exhibit the pride and heart that became their rallying cry back when Pido Jarencio was still coaching the team.